#2.New Orleans, LA

A town with many names – from “The Big Easy” to “The City That Care Forgot” – New Orleans is the place get as classy (or trashy) as you want.

Like Memphis, it’s a haven for good music (in this case jazz) and great food. In fact, New Orleans may be the best place in America for food… a delicious collection of Cajun, Creole, Spanish, French and Caribbean flavors with fresh seafood.

So what to eat? You’ve got many choices: head over to the Acme Oyster House for freshly shucked or fried oysters.

A higher-end option (which is oh-so-worth-it) is Tommy’s, which serves some of New Orleans best food in an elegant setting. It’s a great place to start, before heading to the debauchery of Bourbon St.

Ah, Bourbon Street. A delightful collection of huge drinks, strip clubs and hole-in-the-wall bars. It’s a lot of fun for a night or two, but can wear even the craziest bachelor party down after a few nights. Head out to the Warehouse District and hang out with locals instead.

#3. Austin, TX

Austin is the capital of two things. First, it’s the capital of Texas – odd considering it’s nothing like the rest of Texas – and secondly, it’s the Live Music Capital of the World.

The second title is reason enough to come here.

If New Orleans has the best food in America, Austin surely has the best music. Head out to 6th Street for nearly a dozen blocks of cheap booze and killer bands, ranging from blues to rock to folk.

Most people stick to East Sixth St., which is a mistake. West Sixth may not be as crazy, but the music is just as good (and there are far less problems at night).

The Warehouse District – just a few blocks off Sixth – is a more laid-back area. Don’t miss the Ginger Man, Austin’s best bar with dozens of brews on tap (and even more bottled). It’s a great place to round out the night with a pint or two.

#4. Portland, OR

Oregon has more microbreweries than anywhere else in the country, and Portland is its epicenter. Here you can spend several days hanging out in brewpubs, discussing the relative merits of an IPA versus barleywines.

One place you should not miss is Kennedy School. It’s a former elementary school turned bar/movie theater/live music venue. Where else can you sit in detention and drink whiskey?

Better still, former classrooms have been converted to overnight rooms, which makes a great place to sleep off a day of “school”.

#5. Las Vegas

The City of Sin doesn’t disappoint. A wonderfully hedonistic collection of glitz, glamour and gambling, Las Vegas can keep your tribe occupied for weeks.

Even if you’re not into gambling, simply walking along the Strip – with a giant cocktail in hand – is a barrel of laughs. Where else can you see a middle aged couple with yard beers negotiating the cost of a used car with an Elvis impersonator?